How do I get started?
Call Bel Air Pools & Excavating for an on-site free detailed estimate or Contact us NOW!
We will come out, inspect the area for your pool and discuss all your ideas and desires, and also offer our suggestions and recommendations based on our 40 years’ experience in the swimming pool industry. To take advantage of the full swimming pools season, we suggest making an appointment as soon as possible.
How long does pool construction take?
Under normal conditions we complete most of our pools in 2 to 6 weeks from the day of excavation. Size and shape, building permits, weather, inspections and codes are all variables in the building process. The greatest variable is weather conditions. That is why spring is the optimum time to start your beautiful pool.
What does a pool cost?
Tough Question, but we designed this website so you can price the most popular shapes/sizes of pools and even customize your pool with popular options. Because pools are totally customizable it is difficult to list every possible option. If you are looking for something we don’t list on the site please give us a call, we do offer many other options that are not listed.
Do most in-ground pools have diving boards?
No. Only about 40% of the pools we install have diving boards. Sportman pools designed for water volleyball, basketball, water polo, etc. are becoming more popular.
What is the smallest diving pool?
Bel Air Pools & Excavating recommends a 16 ft. wide and 32 ft. long pool for maximum safety, although a 15 ft. wide by 31 ft long pool will meet the minimum safety code. The depth must be at least 8 ft. deep in the diving area.
Is a fence required?
Yes. Local and state laws require a fence. Your insurance company may also insist on a fence. It is usually specified as a minimum of 4 ft. high. Self latching gates are usually also a requirement.
How much does water cost to fill my pool?
Rates from public water supplies vary. A typical cost is $8.00 for 1000 gallons. A 20,000 gallon pool will hold $160 worth of water.
Can I fill my pool from a well?
Yes. If your well pump is that weak that filling your pool causes it to quit, it was only a matter of time before it quit on its own. Typical rate to have water trucked in is $50 for 1,000 gallons. A 20,000 gallon pool will hold $1,000 of trucked in water. We recommend all our customer fill from their well, they are better off allocating the $1,000 they would have spent on water to replacing the pump if issues arise. We have filled our own pool up many times over the past 40 years from our well with no issues.
How much will chemicals cost?
Most pool owners spend between $50-$100 a month for chemicals during the summer months. There is no chemical cost during the winter.
What are the other operating costs besides the chemicals?
The electricity to run the pump. At nine per KW hour it will cost about $25 a month to run a 1hp 8 hours a day.
Do I drain my pool in the winter?
No. The water is usually lowered 4-5 inches below operating level. In high water table areas it is best to leave the water at summer operating levels. (You will still have to blow out and plug the lines!)
How often do I drain the pool?
You don’t. The water in your pool is cleaner than drinking water. Yes even ten years from now. We fill a pool with drinking water and then clean it up for swimming.
What if the liner gets a hole in it?
This seldom happens. Patch kits are available that will fix the liner even underwater. An easy task by the home owner.
How Long does a liner last?
Usually ten to fifteen years. The sunlight slowly deteriorates the material above the water line. This is not covered by any warranty with the liner manufacturer. Replacing the liner is simple and relatively inexpensive procedure if the pool was installed correctly.
Doesn’t the chlorine in pool water cause eye irritation?
The chlorine level in pool water is less that the chlorine level coming out of your kitchen faucet. Eye irritation is usually not caused by chlorine but rather the improper pH of water and/or the total alkalinity and hardness balance of the water. The adjustment of the water is simple and inexpensive. If you smell chlorine odors near the pool it is out of balance!
My yard is not level can we still have a pool?
Yes. A level site is not required to install a pool. Some of our most attractive installations are on uneven terrain.
Can I finance my pool?
Yes! The banks and savings and loan institutions recognize that a pool is a sound investment. They are anxious to loan money at very competitive rates. Ten to fifteen year maturity are common.
How much time will I spend on maintenance?
Five minutes a week checking and adjusting the chemical balance of the water. An hour once a week vacuuming your pool. Another option is to purchase an automatic vacuum, there are many options that will vacuum your pool for you.
What is the single most important part of a swimming pool?
The wall structure. If the walls fail the pool is gone. Many types of materials have been used for pool walls including wood, steel, fiberglass, aluminum, asbestos, concrete, polymer, and even logs. Bel Air Pools & Excavating uses Lifetime Warranty steel walls. We have never had to replace a panel! And that is a time frame of over 40 years.
Looking 20 or 30 years ahead, what problems can be expected?
The wall structure, floor, plumbing and deck should present no problems if your pool was a quality installation. Ladders, steps, and diving boards have very few problems if any. Over a 20 year period some service can be expected for pumps, filters, and liners.
Do swimming pools have a warranty?
Yes for most components. The liner seams and vinyl material have a fifteen year pro-rated warranty, the steel walls have a lifetime warranty, and the deck goods, diving, and filtration equipment are covered by the respective manufacturers. We try to list all warranties in their respective section of the website.
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